The panel featured Ms. Éloïse Bérerd alongside two guest speakers, Dr. Joseph Shiang and Ms. Sarah Berry, each of whom shared their personal journeys of religious exploration, conversion, and affiliation. Through their stories, attendees were offered a window into the complexities of faith and how it can be shaped by culture, lived experience, intellectual inquiry, and a search for belonging and meaning.

Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Prince Botchway shared, “In a time when differences are often framed as divisions, this conversation created space for curiosity, reflection, and respectful dialogue. Students had the opportunity to hear firsthand how individuals navigate questions of identity and belief, and how faith can serve as both an anchor and an evolving journey. That felt so powerful to me.”

The program also reflected a strong commitment to inclusive community-building. From the thoughtful planning of the event to the intentional consideration of dietary needs, the experience modeled care, respect, and collaboration across traditions.

Science Instructor Dr. Devin O’Brien shares that, “the “Choosing My Religion” panel offered a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in a new way. We are often brought together by our similarities - shared hobbies, cultural background, likes and dislikes. Here, we came together to talk about and learn about each other's individuality. Students and faculty alike relished in what could have been an unforgettable space, but what was instead was a great display of openness and understanding.” 

Mathematics Instructor Alexandra Schmidt shared, “Since we had never hosted a program of this type before, we asked for an RSVP–we had no idea whether we’d see interest from 5 or 25 people.  Attendance well exceeded those numbers and spanned a cross-section of the student and adult community.  After the grace, generosity, and honesty of our speakers, what will stay with me most is the students and teachers who lingered to talk afterward. Clearly, these personal stories of searching and finding a path struck a chord. I came away knowing more about those students’ journeys and wonderings, and grateful we had that time to reflect together and share parts of our stories and identities that are not always explored enough. Our speakers helped create that reflective space, and I am very grateful to them.”

Language Instructor Éloïse Bérerd shares that “participating in this experience was ultimately very rewarding, because beyond the fact that faith and religion can be controversial topics nowadays, I do not envision education without some form of spiritual questioning. Every school should offer a space for spiritual reflection, especially in a world where moral values and a sense of purpose seem increasingly uncertain. It is easy to feel lost, and hearing people share different perspectives on the meaning of life and their personal journeys can help community members, students and colleagues alike, navigate life with greater openness, curiosity, and reflection.”

As a first-time program, “Choosing My Religion” offered not only insight into diverse spiritual paths but also an invitation to continue engaging across differences, with openness, humility, and a willingness to learn from one another.

Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion Gemma Halfi shared, “from the Office of Equity and Inclusion’s perspective, it feels extremely enriching to bring programming like ‘Choosing My Religion’ to our school. Emma students are natural question-askers and story-seekers. Regardless of religious or non-religious background, students have an appetite for digging deeper into some of life’s big questions, and religious or spiritual identity is a large component of those conversations.

Dean of Academics Esther Dettmar reflected on the panel, saying “It was gratifying to see so many attend the “Choosing My Religion” Panel; I think that speaks to a sort of spiritual curiosity that many in our community are feeling. I appreciated the generosity and vulnerability of the panelists who shared their stories, and it was really rewarding to hear about the different paths people take to find and embrace a religion that speaks to them and their values.”